Details

The Point Probe® Plus (PPP) combines the well-known features of the proven PointProbe® series such as high application versatility and compatibility with most commercial SPMs with a more reproducible tip radius as well as a more defined tip shape. The minimized variation in tip shape provides more reproducible images.
NANOSENSORS™ PPP-NCLAu probes are designed for non-contact mode or tapping mode AFM (also known as: attractive or dynamic mode). The NCL type is offered as an alternative to NANOSENSORS™ high frequency non contact type (NCH). PPP-NCLAu is recommended if the feedback loop of the microscope does not accept high frequencies (400kHz) or if the detection system needs a minimum cantilever length >125µm. Compared to the high frequency non-contact type NCH the maximum scanning speed is slightly reduced. This probe type combines high operation stability with outstanding sensitivity and fast scanning ability.

A metallic layer (Au) is coated on both sides of the cantilever. The tip side coating enhances the conductivity of the tip and allows electrical contacts - the typical tip radius of curvature is less than 50nm. The detector side coating enhances the reflectivity of the laser beam by a factor of 2.5 and prevents light from interfering within the cantilever. The coating process is optimized for stress compensation. The bending of the cantilever due to stress is less than 3.5% of the cantilever length.
Note: Wear at the tip can occur if operating in contact-, friction- or force modulation m